Season of Moonlight

Ninth Month

1232 Willowbean Way

The City of Girchester, The Cronia Region

2325

"Today was unlike any other."

Bernadette Case paced her tiny living room, her bare feet sinking into the pink carpet as her toes snuggled into its cotton cushion. Her shoulders were squared with her chin raised and chestnut hair snaking over her bare shoulders as she played with a single button embedded in the collar of her yellow blouse. 

She squeezed her cherry lips together, her sharp green eyes studying the three suspects in her investigation. Then, finally, she cleared her throat and continued.

"I rose early this morning, at seven o'clock sharp. Then, after opening my window shutters and wrapping myself in my soft silk nightgown, I hurried into the bathroom and took a five-minute lukewarm shower."

"For goodness sake, are you going to tell us what soap you used next?" said a voice.

Bernadette frowned. "Do not interrupt me, please," she said. "Anyways, after that, I got dressed and ventured downstairs into the kitchen, where I started my process of making a fresh pot of Southern Coffee."

Two men sat on a yellow sofa with a young woman in the middle. Their ears were alert, eyes rolling onto one another, filled with uncertainty.

Bernadette stopped, pivoted around on her heels to face them and crossed her arms. "I ground the coffee beans to a sea-salt-like consistency and wetted them with a little water. I proceeded to wait about thirty seconds before I added the rest of the water required. I let it stand for four minutes exactly, and then I isolated the mixture from the bean grounds by pouring it into my favourite cup, a white ceramic mug with a red streak through the center. I picked it up, preparing to indulge, but was distracted by a creature rummaging around in my garden. When I returned, I went to look, and the mug was empty!"

Bernadette pushed the evidence toward her suspects. The mug glistened, the center stained from the coffee it once cradled inside.

"Are you accusing one of us of stealing your coffee?" Hector Jackson asked, tilting his head. He sat to the woman's right, wearing a white jacket cut to his waist and a purple vest underneath. His black hair curls parted neatly down the midline of his scalp and glossed with perfect health.

Bernadette winked. "Yes, exactly. One of you is the culprit."

"Bernadette, this is silly!" Meryl Frost protested, leaning her back on the sofa. Her blonde hair was nearly bleached white and cropped at her chin. Her blue eyes dazzled and were complimented by the aquamarine pencil dress that embraced her figure. Her long legs were crossed, and her posture was straight and professional. "You look like you're accusing us of murder. It's missing coffee, not a crime scene," she said.

"Oh, I beg to differ, Meryl," Bernadette said, her words hissing. "I thought I was crazy. I must have finished the coffee before going outside."

The three heads nodded.

"Wrong!" Bernadette said. "I found this on the mug's rim near the handle."

She revealed a pink lipstick stain on the ceramic, the two men slowly turning their heads to hone down on young Meryl. She was caught red-handed.

"Explain this."

"I-I can't!" Meryl said, unable to conjure words.

The men chuckled, preparing to leave.

"Just a moment," Bernadette said, flickering her long lashes. A smile crept along her lips. "Meryl isn't wearing any lipstick, boys."

The men stopped. Even Meryl appeared surprised. Bernadette turned to the quiet young man she hadn't yet spoken to. Edgar Knight. He wore an olive green sweater, and his red hair was slicked back with a firm pomade. 

"There is only one person I know who drinks coffee from the backside of a mug," said Bernadette. "Someone who is also close enough to poor Meryl that he had the opportunity to access her personal belongings hidden in the vanity drawer of her bedroom. Pink lipstick, the shade titled Rose Amour, Edgar, is Meryl's favourite colour, so you knew she would look guilty the moment the stain was revealed."

All heads turned to Edgar. Bernadette grinned maliciously as the young man gave an irritated sigh and threw his arms up into the air. "How the hell did you figure that out?"

"Edgar!" Meryl snapped. Her brows slithered over her eyes. "I can't believe you'd be so childish."

"I wanted to have a little fun," Edgar said, "and test how good Bernadette Case's brain truly is. Of course, I'm impressed, but what detail finished me off?"

"You've got a flake of Rose Amour stained on the collar of your sweater," Bernadette answered. "Most would miss it since it's almost microscopic, but at the right distance, it's hard to ignore."

"I'll be damned," Hector said, clapping his hands. "Bravo!"

"Thank you," Bernadette said, standing triumphantly. "Now, who will make me another cup of coffee?"